Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities Cancels Press Conference on Meta Data Center Contamination
A Meta data center contractor contaminated Cheyenne’s wastewater reuse system with bacteria, leading to significant public concern. The Board of Public Utilities (BOPU) cancelled a promised press conference to discuss the issue, opting instead to provide written answers. This decision, along with the delay in publicly announcing the contamination, has drawn criticism from the community and a US Representative.
The Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities (BOPU) unexpectedly cancelled a promised press conference concerning the contamination of the city's wastewater reuse system by a Meta data center contractor. Frank Strong, BOPU’s engineering and water resource division manager, announced that the board would instead prepare a document of answers to public questions, drawing criticism for what some perceive as a lack of transparency. The incident, involving the discharge of Cupriavidus gilardii bacteria by Goat Systems LLC, Meta's construction entity, was publicly disclosed on July 2, months after it was identified in February samples.
U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman sent a strongly-worded letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, demanding a full accounting of the contamination and an explanation for the delayed public announcement. Hageman later reported productive discussions with Meta, where the company affirmed its commitment to being a "good neighbor" and cooperating with local authorities to investigate the cause. She emphasized the importance of companies engaging with local communities and leaders.
Public skepticism continues to mount, with local resident David Knisely directly questioning Mayor Patrick Collins about the delay in notification at a City Council meeting. Mayor Collins admitted he learned of an "incident" months prior but not its full scope. BOPU engineer Bryce Dorr defended the delayed public disclosure, stating there was no immediate public health risk and the agency wished to avoid panic. However, Council member Pete Laybourn sharply criticized the BOPU's approach, arguing it fosters distrust and demands immediate, detailed explanations, especially given the five-month interval since the contamination was first detected.